Fresh analysis suggests that individuals who discontinue blockbuster weight-loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy may regain shed pounds far faster than those who stop traditional lifestyle regimens.
Published data in a major health publication demonstrates that while obese people often shed about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass returns at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month once they quit.
"People using these treatments should be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the treatment is stopped," cautioned lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original weight within about a year and a half.
Weighing Therapies
The analysis, which examined dozens of trials involving over 9,000 of patients, compared the outcomes of the injectable medications with other pills.
Researchers point out that individuals who lose weight through dieting typically experience a more gradual weight regain—around 100 grams monthly—once they finish.
The Reason for the Rapid Rebound
Doctors suggest the mechanism of the jabs accounts for the heightened regain.
These medications imitate a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of GLP-1 concentrations several times higher than normal might result in the system to produce less of its endogenous GLP-1, and could reduce sensitivity to its effects," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics researcher.
"Withdrawal of this medication results in hunger is uncontrolled, making excessive eating far more likely."
A Chronic Condition?
Medical guidelines advise the injections for people with obesity-related medical conditions, alongside prescribed diet and exercise modifications.
Many experts say that, due to the likelihood of weight regain, the treatment should be considered ongoing.
This opinion is reinforced by pharmaceutical companies, who say that the findings "underscore the chronic nature of excess weight," similar to managing diseases like high blood pressure.
User Accounts
Users who have come off the medication explain a powerful return of cravings.
"It was like a switch flipping and you're instantly extremely hungry," described an individual.
This difficulty is worsened if patients have not established sustainable lifestyle or habit modifications during treatment.
Significant Use
Figures show that millions of adults in the UK have tried weight-loss jabs in the past year, with desire continuing to grow.
- Use is higher among women compared to men.
- The 40s and 50s age group shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion access the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
In conclusion, experts stress that while GLP-1 drugs are effective tools for shedding pounds, they are not a permanent solution and lasting health benefits likely depends on combined behavioural changes.
